lobo
“lobo” means “wolf” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
wolf
📝 In Action
El lobo aúlla a la luna llena en el bosque.
A2The wolf howls at the full moon in the forest.
Mi hijo leyó un cuento sobre un lobo feroz.
B1My son read a story about a fierce wolf.
predatory person
Also: wolf
📝 In Action
Ese político es un lobo, solo busca el beneficio propio.
B2That politician is a wolf; he only looks out for his own benefit.
No confíes en él, es un lobo con piel de cordero.
C1Don't trust him, he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: lobo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'lobo' in its figurative, critical sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *lupus*, which was the Latin name for the wolf. This shows how ancient the concept and the word are in European languages.
First recorded: Before the 10th century (in Old Spanish as 'lopos')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'lobo' y 'perro' (dog)?
While both are canines, 'lobo' refers specifically to the wild wolf. 'Perro' refers to the domesticated dog. In Spanish, you would never call your pet dog a 'lobo'.
If I want to talk about a female wolf, what word do I use?
You must use the feminine form, 'la loba'. Spanish nouns usually follow this pattern when referring to male and female animals.